Sustaining Assam’s Dairy Growth Needs Strong Policy Push and Infrastructure Boost

Assam’s dairy sector has shown steady growth in recent years, emerging as an important source of livelihood for rural households. However, experts have cautioned that sustaining this progress will require targeted policy interventions, improved infrastructure, and better access to resources.
The sector’s expansion has been driven by rising demand for milk and dairy products, alongside efforts to enhance production capacity across the state. Dairy farming has increasingly become a viable income source, contributing to rural economic stability and employment generation.
Despite these gains, several structural challenges continue to hinder long-term growth. A key concern is the shortage of veterinary services. Assam has a limited number of veterinary professionals relative to its livestock population, affecting timely healthcare and disease management for animals.
To address this gap, the government has introduced Mobile Veterinary Units under national livestock health programmes. While these have improved outreach in remote areas, experts stress that further expansion is necessary to ensure adequate coverage.
Another major issue is the lack of sufficient feed and fodder. The area under fodder cultivation in the state remains low, putting pressure on livestock productivity. Specialists point out that improving access to quality fodder seeds and promoting scientific feeding practices are essential for enhancing milk yield.
Market linkages also remain underdeveloped, limiting farmers’ ability to secure fair prices for their produce. Strengthening dairy cooperatives, improving cold chain infrastructure, and expanding processing facilities are seen as crucial steps to address these challenges.
At the policy level, stakeholders have called for increased budgetary allocation to the livestock sector, along with incentives to encourage private investment in dairy farming, animal healthcare, and processing units.
Recent developments, including the expansion of dairy processing capacity, indicate positive momentum. However, experts emphasise that sustained growth will depend on a comprehensive approach that combines infrastructure development, technological adoption, and institutional support.
With the right measures in place, Assam’s dairy sector has the potential to significantly boost rural incomes, enhance nutritional security, and contribute to the state’s overall economic development.